Mar 2011 Journal

Third Generation group meets for first time

This Holocaust Memorial Day was even more important than most - it was the occasion of the first-ever official meeting of the Third Generation.

Fifteen people turned up for the event, which was held at Manchester Jewish Museum, including a member of the Second Generation who found out about his father’s history only after his father passed away. Although he misunderstood what the event was for, we were all pleased that he could share his story with us and he seemed impressed by the aspirations of the Third Generation.

The meeting was the first opportunity for these young professionals to share their family history and to state what they, as grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, wish to achieve. Not everyone present was directly linked to the Holocaust. Adam Powsney was there as his wife’s grandmother was a survivor and his grandparents helped to look after refugees during the war. Benjy Black too has no family members who were survivors but believes nonetheless that it is vital that the Holocaust should be forever remembered and that we now have this responsibility.

Although this was only the initial meeting, this small group - which will hopefully grow - will be proactive. Education is of the utmost importance, for Jewish and non-Jewish children alike.

There will be a follow-up meeting very soon, in which we will specify our exact aims and what we hope as a group of enthusiastic young people we can achieve.

If anyone is interested in joining us, or would like more information, please contact me at hannah@3rdg.org.